“We have to reimagine ourselves as worthy of our voices, having the inalienable right to speak and be heard.”

As women, when we speak the patriarchy says we sound shrill. As women of color, when we speak the patriarchy (and its proponents) says we are aggressive. Our open mouths speaking truth, speaking joy, speaking change, are a direct affront to the systems in place that weren’t created to ensure our success. Is it any wonder that so many of us do not to listen to our own hearts, our own minds, our own voice? If those external to us are not willing to listen, what stops us from doing the same. We have to reimagine ourselves as worthy of our voices, having the inalienable right to speak and be heard. To say to ourselves (and each other) what society refuses to acknowledge: we belong here. And not only do we belong here, we ARE here. And we will stay here.

There’s this great quote floating around the internet that says (paraphrasing), “Speak the truth even if your voice shakes.” When’s the last time you said something kind to yourself, about yourself, for yourself? To other women? And meant it? When’s the last time you didn’t hold your tongue and you had that difficult conversation? What we tell ourselves about ourselves is significant. What we say to each other is significant. The only way we change this patriarchal nonsense that has taught us to be quiet, afraid and disengaged from our own joy-centers, is to stop the actions that enable it. Imagine that, exercising our right and natural instinct to speak is tied to our joy and ability to change the way society functions.

In a recent Instagram post, I wrote “Speak sister. Your soul is listening.” It is imperative that we take time to open our mouths and speak, even if we’re afraid or anxious to do so. The body listens to what we say to it. For better or for worse. Positive self-talk, daily affirmations, meditation all help us to speak in ways social norms prohibit. Our own willingness to acknowledge our power, desire, and needs and speak to it daily is where it all begins. When we speak and live unapologetically, the world changes. Always. ✨✨✨

BTW: Thx to Zach Vessels for the fierce photo!

When We Speak